Soft landing in Silicon Valley: how the European Startup Embassy helps CEE founders go global

The European Startup Embassy, a new initiative, launched on October 1st, aiming to facilitate the expansion of Central and Eastern European (CEE) startups and venture capital firms into the US market. The initiative comes as the percentage of startups building a US presence before Series A funding has grown from 33% to 64% in the last five years. Furthermore, around 50% of CEE startups relocate to the US during their scaling phase, highlighting the importance of the US market for European tech companies. The Embassy is a shared landing pad and community hub located in San Francisco, designed to support CEE founders and venture capitalists. It addresses the need for a central network, providing a physical space and resources to connect the fragmented CEE diaspora. The initiative offers logistical support, including assistance with organizing events, and acts as a launchpad for companies exploring partnerships or testing US expansion. The impact of the European Startup Embassy is significant, as it streamlines the process of entering the US market for CEE startups. By offering a structured approach and acting as a central hub, it reduces the need for companies to establish a full-time US office. This model allows European founders to build stronger relationships and access the US market more efficiently, especially during the peak season from October to December. The European Startup Embassy's launch reflects a growing trend of European companies seeking to establish a strong presence in the US. This initiative also represents a strategic move to foster collaboration and provide support, enabling CEE startups to overcome challenges related to market entry and expansion. The project’s success could pave the way for similar initiatives, boosting European tech companies' global competitiveness.